SINDANGAN, Zamboanga del Norte – A Catholic lay minister was found dead with multiple wounds in Sitio Ligiran, Barangay Benigno Aquino Jr., in this municipality, prompting an ongoing police investigation into what authorities suspect may be a case of robbery-homicide.
The victim was identified as Crisanto “Toto” Saldasal Tomales, 55 years old, a resident of Barangay Benigno Aquino Jr. He was known in the community as a lay minister serving the Catholic Church.
According to initial reports, Tomales was discovered lifeless near his storage shed after reportedly returning from selling copra. Authorities who responded to the scene said the body was already in an advanced stage of decomposition, indicating that the victim may have been dead for several days before being found.
Investigators noted the presence of multiple wounds on different parts of the victim’s body, leading his family to believe that he was deliberately killed. Relatives also raised the possibility that robbery could have been the motive behind the crime, as the victim had just come from selling copra prior to the incident.
Police have yet to identify any suspects and are continuing their investigation to determine both the perpetrator and the exact motive. Scene-of-the-crime operatives conducted a thorough examination of the area, while investigators are gathering statements from family members and possible witnesses.
The killing has shocked residents of Sitio Ligiran, where Tomales was known not only as a copra trader but also as an active church worker who regularly assisted in religious activities in the community.
Family members, friends, and fellow church workers are now calling for justice, urging authorities to expedite the investigation and hold those responsible accountable.
As of this writing, authorities have not released further details but assured the public that all angles, including robbery, are being carefully examined.